Giving Thanks (in a jar)
I saw this idea - I think it was in a book called Chocolate for a Woman's Soul - I tried it out and it has an amazing effect! And this gift can be given to anyone who has given you a lot in life - a person that you are truly grateful for... Basically, you find a pretty jar in which to give your gift. Then write out 50 things that you wish to thank them for, cut each one out, fold it up and pop it in the jar.
I set out to give these to my parents for Christmas one year, So I filled up one jar with all the things I wanted to thank mum for - all the values she'd taught me, the good memories from my childhood, the encouragements she gave, anything that made me admire her. and then I did the same for Dad.
The great thing about this gift it that it gave to me too, it was amazing the long-buried childhood treasures that came back to me as I searched for things to thank them for. And in these moments I knew that it would be a special gift for them too, as they may not have remembered those little moments that made so much impact on me, or at the least, did not get to see them from my perspective.
When I gave the jars to them on Christmas day, my mum read some of hers and quickly went to tears of joy.. I could see could see how much she treasured that little jar, full of thanks from her little girl, and grown-up daughter. As for dad, well he heard the things I wrote in Mum's jar couldn't even bear to open his jar that day. He needed to wait til later so he too could shed some joyful tears in private. But I know that jar is one of his fondest treasures too.
Has anyone else tried this gift? I'd like to know what others reactions have been.
I set out to give these to my parents for Christmas one year, So I filled up one jar with all the things I wanted to thank mum for - all the values she'd taught me, the good memories from my childhood, the encouragements she gave, anything that made me admire her. and then I did the same for Dad.
The great thing about this gift it that it gave to me too, it was amazing the long-buried childhood treasures that came back to me as I searched for things to thank them for. And in these moments I knew that it would be a special gift for them too, as they may not have remembered those little moments that made so much impact on me, or at the least, did not get to see them from my perspective.
When I gave the jars to them on Christmas day, my mum read some of hers and quickly went to tears of joy.. I could see could see how much she treasured that little jar, full of thanks from her little girl, and grown-up daughter. As for dad, well he heard the things I wrote in Mum's jar couldn't even bear to open his jar that day. He needed to wait til later so he too could shed some joyful tears in private. But I know that jar is one of his fondest treasures too.
Has anyone else tried this gift? I'd like to know what others reactions have been.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by genuine, wwt, welcomer on -
Love this idea ....
It is perfect for parents; I have much to thank my mom for ... so many things I haven't thanked her for and she may not know how much she's done for me ... Well, her birthday (as well as mother's day) is coming up ... I might have to do this.
Yes, I can see why doing this gift would give to you too ... giving gratitude can be very fulfilling.
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Permalink Reply by Cheryl Bernardo on -
I haven't tried this but it sounds fantastic!!!! Thanks for sharing.
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Permalink Reply by Deanna Mandarino on -
thanks for sharing this idea. I am going to do this too.
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Permalink Reply by Lubabat Scotland on -
Thank you for posting this idea. I have been collecting jars that I like and this is a could way to put them to use!
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Permalink Reply by MorningCoffeeConfessions on -
I absolutely love this idea. I just joined the 29 day challenge and now this post gave me the perfect idea to do something nice for my mom's birthday next week.
Thanks so much!
Jen
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Permalink Reply by sdsurfgirl on
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I actually did do this.... and yes I have to agree its one of the best gifts ever. I thought of this idea when I graduated from college (having no money but lots of time to be creative helped I think!), and made one for my best friend. Inside I wrote down on small slips of paper, in our school colors, all the silly moments, sayings or happy memories we had shared up to that point. To this day, years later, that jar with all those happy memories sits on her desk in her guest room, which makes me smile every time I visit. And as new milestones are passed, I try and make up some additions to add to our friendship jar of memories.
Thanks for bringing the idea back to me.... its a gift worth repeating for all the important people in our lives. :)
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Permalink Reply by Msmia on
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I love this idea!! I may alter it and use a decorated shoe box to make it easier to mail.
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Permalink Reply by Emily on -
I have done a variation on this before, and I agree that it's wonderful for both the giver and the receiver. What I did was "365 reasons why I love you" for my boyfriend. I cut strips of paper and on each one wrote a different reason I love him...one for every day of the year. I have to tell you that although I love him dearly and there are undoubtedly thousands of reasons why, it became very difficult at, say, 250 to think of new reasons that I hadn't already used. I did end up putting things in there like "you don't wear your shoes to bed". All in all though, he loved the gift and the "reasons", and the silly ones made him laugh.
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Permalink Reply by Dawn wwt on -
i was idly scrolling through the giving suggestions and found this. i think it's a great idea. i never can figure out a good gift for my mom because she has just about everything material she wants or needs at this point in her life. i may well do this for Christmas. i will let you know how it is received. thanks, Em. Hugs, Dawn
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Permalink Reply by Kelly on -
Thank you for sharing this. It is a GREAT idea. We have stopped spending money on gifts for the adults in our family. This will be a great gift to my parents without spending a dime. Almost like when I was a kid and made macaroni art. LOL Thanks again.
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Permalink Reply by Marilyn on
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I gave this gift to my parents (as an adult) for Christmas also! I called it a memory jar, and each slip had a fond memory on it. I asked that they read just one slip each day....
They too had tears of joy!
Marilyn
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Permalink Reply by Deb~ Community Manager on -
I love this idea and will do it for Christmas! Thank you so much for this unique gift idea!
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